File photoAvery Connors, of Grand Blanc, laughs after hitting the golf ball out of the putt-putt course during the Linden Summer Happening Festival in this Flint Journal file photo.

The longtime festival was cancelled last year after
organizers were
unable to move the event to Linden County Park and city council members had
complained of noise and public drunkenness from the event's entertainment tent.

The four-day festival will kick off on July 19 and its
entertainment tent will feature country performer Tommy Steele of Holly, Dave
Gibson, Amber Hayes and Mark Glasmire.

Greg Carr, festival sponsorship and media/advertising
chairperson, said the festival provides entertainment for the whole family and
supports community. Families don't have to travel around the state for
something to do, he said.

"People have grown up with this festival. It's a family
tradition here in the area," Carr said.

New to the festival is a parade of lights, which will take
place at 8:30 p.m. on July 21.

"We thought this might be a cool aspect for the festival,"
Carr said about the parade.

Also new are children games and activities, a tractor show,
tractor pull and a fire department car cutting competition between Linden,
Argentine Township and Byron fire departments.

Carnival rides will be available all four days. Wristbands
for the carnival cost $18.

Summer Happening
Festival's schedule of events

Thursday, July 19:

4 p.m. – Carnival

6 p.m. – Kids activities

7 p.m. – Entertainment tent featuring all-American country
fest

File photoNick Stevenson, of Linden, attempts to go around with a rolling barrel during the Linden Summer Happening Festival in this Flint Journal file photo.

Friday, July 20:

Noon to 7 p.m. – Pony rides

Noon to 8 p.m. – Kids activities

2 to 8 p.m. – Craft show and flea market

4 to 11 p.m. – Carnival

7 p.m. – Little Mr. and Miss Summer Happening Pageant

8 p.m. – Entertainment tent

Saturday, July 21:

Noon – Fire department car cutting competition

Noon – Kids activities

Noon to 11 p.m. – Carnival

Noon to 8 p.m. - Craft show and flea market

2 to 8:30 p.m. – Tractor show

6 p.m. – Entertainment tent

8:30 p.m. – Parade of lights

Dusk - Fireworks

Sunday, July 22:

10 a.m. – Car show

11 a.m. – Motorcycle poker run

Noon to 6 p.m. – Pony rides

Noon – Carnival

1:30 p.m. – Pedal pusher tractor pull

For a complete schedule of events check out the
Summer Happening website by clicking here.

Dana DeFever can be reached at 810-429-3919 or
ddefever@mlive.com. You can also follow her on Twitter @DanaDeFever or
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